Roast Chicken Wings and Fennel with Shiraz Salt
When it starts getting cold, the wonderful thing to look forward to in that season is oven-roasted meals. Nothing better than to keep us warm as well as give us the satisfaction of a delicious home-cooked dinner. I particularly enjoyed making roast chicken wings with fennel one autumn evening.
Fennel grows well in South Africa’s climate and I bought it when it was in season.
I love buying seasonal produce for the simple reasons of 1) better taste, quality 2) lower in cost as abundant 3) sustainable and environmentally-friendly. This was the only vegetable I had left, and the decision to combine it with chicken wings was thus made!
The recipes I bring you are from my nomadic journey, from various kitchens, often with limited resources and the unavailability to have a full pantry (frequent moving). Disclaimer: I am a hungry nomad, not a chef.
Roast chicken wings and fennel with shiraz salt
Ingredients:
- 1 x fennel bulb, halved
- 8 free range chicken wings (add more if cooking for more people) – I bought mine from Woolworths in Cape Town
- Kloovenberg shiraz salt
- Olive oil
- Pepper to taste
Equipment needed:
- A chopping board
- A knife
- Oven
- Roasting pan
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. (Leave the roasting pan outside)
- Cut your fennel into smaller pieces
- Place fennel chunks and chicken wings in roasting pan
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with the shiraz salt and mix a little
- Pop in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken skin is crispy and golden brown
- Serve with bread or eat just as is for a low-carb meal
Tips: If you find the fennel a little crunchy or dry feel free to cook it a bit longer in the oven as it will soften. Or add a vinaigrette when you serve.
The great benefit about a roast is while the meal is being cooked, we have time to clean up the kitchen, enjoy a relaxing bath or lie down for half an hour. Just don’t forget to set the timer when the food is ready!
I hope you enjoy this quick and easy, no-fuss recipe. Simple and uses seasonal produce, without the need for a lot of ingredients or kitchen equipment. Perfect when you’re travelling or just moved in to a new house.